Artist Tyler Loftis works on a painting the night before the opening of his show at the Fire Barn Gallery in Grand Haven.Courtesy Photo

GRAND HAVEN, MI – The Fire Barn Gallery in Grand Haven will host paintings created by a Grand Haven-born contemporary artist – who has studied around the world – beginning on Thursday, June 20 at 6 p.m.

Gallery Director Chris Protas said: “This is the first time Tyler (Loftis) has shown his work as a solo artist – there’s a lot of significance to him showing here.”

Loftis is a co-founder and silent partner of the Fire Barn Gallery, but has pursued a painting career in New York City. He has also studied in Italy and France.

“The eyes and hearts here offer a freshness and directness that is a great environment to show new work in,” Loftis said in a statement. “For me, the Midwest represents a new frontier for American art.”

Loftis is a contemporary-modern artist influenced by Paul Cezanne and Henri Matisse.

Protas said that Loftis’ paintings include still life, landscape and portraits.

“His work is daring in its simplicity,” Protas said in a statement.

He told MLive and the Muskegon Chronicle: “The way to understand a painting is to see it – words help but you have to spend time in front of it.”

Loftis’ work will be on display until July 20. He will give a talk on Thursday, June 20 at 7 p.m. and a two-part lecture will take place on Wednesdays, June 26 and July 3, at 7 p.m.